- Henderson Newcomers
- Administration
Principal-Sonia Marquez
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Degrees and Certifications:
Principal-Sonia Marquez
Academic Credentials:
Undergrad: Barton College, Wilson NC
Licensure: English as a Second Language K-12 and Elementary Education K-6
Graduate school: Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville NC
Licensure: Masters Reading Education K-12
Post-Graduate school: North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC
Licensure: Masters School Administration K-12
Biographical Information:
I am first generation Mexican American and the first person in my family to go to college. Growing up in an Eastern NC farming town, I witnessed the difficulties that people around me experienced as they struggled to navigate the world without being proficient in English. That is what inspired me to become a Teacher of English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL). Through teaching the English language to adults and school age children, I found power in my own life story and at the same time used my formal training, life experience, and passion for the immigrant journey to advocate for those around me.
After teaching English in the same community for 11 years, I wanted a new opportunity to grow professionally. Therefore, I changed school districts and began teaching reading. I spent several years as a middle school reading teacher and a reading specialist before I began my school leadership journey. Thanks to the North Carolina Principal Fellows award, I was able to turn my dream into reality. I have 23 years of public school experience, 8 of them in school leadership, and I proudly conduct myself with 3 distinct core values: Service before self, Ethical decision making, and Standard of excellence.
I am honored to be serving and leading in the Greensboro Newcomers Community. I have the benefit of being bicultural and bilingual, which connects me to our students acquiring language. I am the daughter of immigrants, which provides me with the firsthand knowledge of the immigrant experience. And I personally know how valuable representation is to students. It is my pledge to our students and families that I will offer my time, talent, and treasures to ensure that all students are seen, valued, and uplifted.